Your Leeds local election 2018 A to Z: Harewood, north Leeds

THE CANDIDATESCook, Dan - Liberal Democrats Corry, David Thomas - Green Party Duthie, Adrian Robert Stewart - Labour Party Firth, Samuel James - Conservative Party Noor, Zahid - Labour Party Robinson, Matthew James - Conservative Party Stainburn, Kathryn - Labour Party Stephenson, Ryan - Conservative Party
By The Newsroom
Published 1st May 2018, 18:15 BST
Updated 2nd May 2018, 01:16 BST
Date: 2nd September 2017. Picture James Hardisty. Reopening of the Linton bridge, between Linton and Collingham, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire, after it was shut on the 27th December following the boxing Day floods, of 2015, making it unsafe.Date: 2nd September 2017. Picture James Hardisty. Reopening of the Linton bridge, between Linton and Collingham, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire, after it was shut on the 27th December following the boxing Day floods, of 2015, making it unsafe.
Date: 2nd September 2017. Picture James Hardisty. Reopening of the Linton bridge, between Linton and Collingham, near Wetherby, West Yorkshire, after it was shut on the 27th December following the boxing Day floods, of 2015, making it unsafe.

HAREWOOD - KEY ISSUES AND NUMBERS

The Harewood ward is one of the most affluent areas of the city, taking in Harewood Village, Collingham, Aberford, Barwick, Scholes and all the little villages in between.

Ninety-eight per cent of residents are classified as living in the least deprived fifth of the population of Leeds.

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The other two per cent are in the second least deprived category.

Sitting on the outer reaches of the city as it does, many residents actually consider themselves more ‘North Yorkshire’ than ‘Leeds’.

Housing development on the green built, as in Guiseley, is a major cause of concern for voters. On the campaign trail, one candidate told the YEP that people are not opposed to new homes and they understand there is a need. But it’s the type of homes that are the issue. Rather than luxury five bed villas, the emphasis should be – it is felt – on smaller retirement properties for downsizers, or homes for first time buyers.

Protection of heritage is also key to locals. The controversial Parlington development sits in the Harewood ward. More than 8,000 people have recently signed the ‘Save Parlington’ petition against the possible creation of up to 5,000 houses on the historic estate.

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Older people make up a significant portion of the population. Average life expectancy here is 87, against a citywide average of 81.

Another issue that keeps being raised on the doorstep is the state of the roads in the area and the proliferation of potholes. This is exacerbated by the fact there is a lot of through traffic from the A58. In Collingham especially, HGVs cutting through to avoid the A1 have been a long-time bugbear.

After the collapse of the Linton Bridge and its subsequent repair following the Boxing Day 2015 flooding, voters have also been expressing their desire for reassurances that adequate flood protections are in place.

Voters are also keen for whoever ends up representing them after May 3 to continue to lobby for a quicker rollout of high speed broadband in the ward.

What issues win or lose your votes in Harewood? Email [email protected].

Related topics:LeedsConservative Party